11 of the best baby highchair toys 2024

BY ANNABEL PORT

WHAT ARE HIGHCHAIR TOYS?

High chair toys all have one thing in common. A suction base to keep them attached to a baby or toddler’s highchair tray or a dining table. This makes them better than regular toys as they will (hopefully) stay in place and not be constantly knocked or thrown to the ground.

They are usually used to occupy a child when a parent or other carer is preparing a meal. They can also be useful for entertaining a child in restaurants when waiting for your food.

These toys aren’t just restricted to highchairs. A table or floor can also be used. And the fact they are stuck down means a child can refine their motor skills by grabbing and batting them without knocking them over.

IS IT OKAY FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY AND EAT?

Highchair toys are also sometimes used when a child is eating but some, like children’s nutritionist Sarah Bushell, believe that it’s not a good idea to use them (or TV) as a distraction. They argue that it leads to them eating mindlessly and not using their own hunger cues for when to carry on or stop eating. This can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. For example, over or under-eating when older. And they could become fussier when the distractions are taken away and flavours and textures are properly noticed for the first time.

Others argue that distraction while eating can be useful for children with sensory issues. It may also lead a child to try a greater variety of new foods and help to increase the quantity of their intake to an age and size-appropriate level.

But if you have any concerns about your child’s eating, it’s best to get professional advice and speak to your GP.

What features should I look out for in highchair toys?

• All parts should be attached so nothing can be thrown on the floor.

• If there is any food on the highchair it could get messy so make sure it’s wipe-clean and doesn’t have any crevices or other hard-to-reach areas.

• Battery-operated musical toys can be fun but might not be appreciated by other diners if eating out.

• Different textures, colours, sounds and movements for stimulating the senses and elements to develop fine and gross motor skills.

• Check the minimum age range the toy is suitable for. The toys listed here range from 3 months upwards to 18 months upwards.

• Good suction. Be warned that not all suction bases will stick to wood. It depends on how smooth the surface is.

How to get suction cups on toys to stick

Reviewers of these toys sometimes mention their disappointment in the strength of the suction cups. Here’s what you can try to ensure they are not easily pulled off by your child.

• Clean and dry the surface of the table or tray thoroughly.

• Clean the suction cup with washing-up liquid and warm water and then shake off the excess. The dampness will help it stick and the warmth of the water will make it more pliable.

• If all this fails, try putting a tiny bit of petroleum jelly on the suction cup.

Do you need a highchair toy?

Many parents survive without specific highchair toys. Any regular toy can be placed on the tray as well as other objects interesting to a child. For example, kitchen drawer items like measuring spoons, a whisk, a pastry brush and a wooden spoon. Just make sure there is nothing small enough to be choked on or anything sharp or pointy that could cause an injury. The only downside is that you may be endlessly picking them off the floor if your baby likes to throw things.

See also Everything you need for weaning in order of popularity for a clear overview of what the baby feeding essentials actually are.

WHICH ARE THE BEST HIGHCHAIR TOYS

Here are 11 of the best highchair toys available to buy, including musical, plastic-free and spinner toy options.

How were they selected?

This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:

• Consumer reviews

• Best-seller lists

• Recommendations from industry experts

• Award-winning products

• Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.

The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 31 January 2024.

If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.